Windsor Severance Fire Rescue personnel sent to battle Marten Creek Fire in Wyoming from left: Lt. Kirk Bauer, firefighter Dan Maddox and engineer Mike Matzle. (Windsor Severance Fire Rescue/For The Tribune)Firefighters of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue were sent to battle a nearly 5,000 acre blaze in Wyoming on Thursday.WSFR spokesman Todd Vess said the three-person crew, comprised of Lt. Kirk Bauer, Mike Matzle and Dan Maddox, headed to the Marten Creek Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Thursday morning. Although he didn’t know for sure when they’d return, he said wildland commitments usually average 14 days.The Marten Creek Fire, burning about 13 miles east of Afton, Wyo., began of human origin Sunday afternoon, according to InciWeb’s Incident Information System. The fire spread to 4,842 acres Thursday, and is estimated to be contained by November.Vess said it’s common for agencies to call on wildland units from local fire departments for assistance during blazes such as Marten Creek Fire, even if they are almost 500 miles away.”Our team goes all over the United States,” Vess said.Vess said the government reimburses the department for expenses related to the trip, including the firefighters’ pay.All of WSFR’s personnel are red-card certified, meaning they can respond to wildland fires, Vess said. The certification process includes a physical test, online classwork and a classroom portion. Those certified are required to retest every year.[swift-infobox title=”Marten Creek Fire”]For more information on the Marten Creek Fire, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6214/ [/swift-infobox]Vess said the three sent to Wyoming will probably partake in anything from cutting line to protecting structures, all while camping.”It’s hard work for sure,” Vess said. “They typically work 12 to 16 hours a day, sleep in a tent and do it all again the next day.”This is the fourth time this year members of WSFR’s wildland unit have been dispatch to a fire, Vess said.An area closure map of the Marten Creek Fire. (U.S. Forest Service)